Losing My Breath and On the Outside Looking In: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:
Shot a scene for Curbside Confessions. I am sworn to secrecy, so I will only say that the scene involved Dedrick Bullard (Eat, Rookie Bookie), Bevan Bell (Delusions, A Cowboy's Silver Lining), Forrest Pruett (Almost Made, Glorious Mail), and myself. Arnold Edwards II was directing. Aaron Jones, Dayna Hinkle (Fayette County), and Hardy McNeese rounded out the rest of the crew. We finished early, so we hung out and shot the breeze. I probably ran my mouth a little too long, because I had to get up early the next day.

Saturday:

I auditioned for the film Broken Down Home. I read for the lead and the main villain. The director and producer were impressed. It felt good to nail an audition. I've had my share of so-so and godawful auditions. Hopefully, I'll get a role.

Later that day, I joined a shoot for Tricks in progress. DeAara Lewis was directing and acting, and Rod Pitts(www.pittstopproductions.com) was Director of Photography. Nia, Ladonna, Deneka Lewis, DeAara's boyfriend, Czarchus, Daphne, and myself rounded out the crew. We shot a scene with Nia and another actress, then we shot a scene with DeAara, Morris Chism (Imagine, The Tank), DeMarco, and the male lead, Keenon. The cigar smoke from the scene nearly took me out (it DID take me out of the room for a minute), but we got it done.

Sunday:

We shot on Tricks again. This time, it was one scene involving Kim Skipper (Imagine, What Goes Around), a guy who raps named Yanike, and another guy. I knocked a lamp over while moving a chest, then I dropped my end of the chest. It wasn't pretty, and a little embarrasing. Later on, I wound up having to man the lights that we put in the outside window. They went off for a minute, and restoring power to them became an adventure. It sucked being outside because I couldn't see the acting, but it had to be done. We pulled it off. After that, Rod and I went to Yum's and called it a night.

This week, I have two screenings. Let's discuss them, shall we?

Plug Time!!!

Aug. 2:

"1st Wednesday" Celebration at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Admission: $6 or free for Brooks Museum Members

6:15 PM: Gallery Talk on the exhibition "Annie Leibovitz: American Music" by chief curator Maria Pacini

6:30 PM: Elvis impersonator Danny Spinosa

7:30 PM: Outdoor performance by the Beale Street Flippers

8 PM: Screening of "Dollars and Signs" Director Brandon Hutchison will intro the film and ask questions afterward

Aug. 3:

Come see another screening of Keenon Nikita's "Just the Two of Us" on Aug. 3 at 7 pm at Studio on the Square. Admission is $15 -- proceeds will be used to send the movie to various film festivals.

For more info about the film, go to: http://www.pittstopproductions.com/j2u.html

Days Until Markus Seaberry's next screening: One day, peoples!!!

Be easy, Readers!!

A Sneak Peek at Excellence

Rod Pitts (www.pittstoproductions.com) let me see a little bit of Don't Vote for Arthur Henry. I didn't see MY scene (boo), but I saw footage from several PSP All-Stars: Crystal Johnson (What Goes Around, Rock and a Hard Place), Learyn Wilde (Across the River, Imagine), Jason Dancy (The Survivor, Just the Two of Us), Krissi Cain (Chapters: The Movie), and even Rod himself. Rod was an actor in his younger days before he became a director. He's still got it. I can't wait until the film is finished. Rod also my do something for the Lil' Film Fest. Rod's been doing kung-fu films since he was in film school. He won't even tell me the story yet, and I'm supposed to be in the freakin' movie! Oh, well, as long as we keep hustling, we should be cool. Be easy, readers.

Plug Time!!!!

Aug. 2:
"1st Wednesday" Celebration at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Admission: $6 or free for Brooks Museum Members

6:15 PM: Gallery Talk by on the exhibition "Annie Leibovitz: American Music" by chief curator Maria Pacini

6:30 PM: Elvis impersonator Danny Spinosa

7:30 PM: Outdoor performance by the Beale Street Flippers

8 PM: Screening of "Dollars and Signs" Director Brandon Hutchison will intro the film and ask questions afterward

Aug. 3:
Come see another screening of Keenon Nikita's "Just the Two of Us" on Aug. 3 at 7 pm at Studio on the Square. Admission is $15 -- proceeds will be used to send the movie to various film festivals.

For more info about the film, go to: http://www.pittstopproductions.com/j2u.html

Days Until Markus Seaberry's Next Screening: 5 Days and Counting, Baby!!!

Guess Who's Back?

I have computer issues and a lot of bigwigs coming to the day job, so it was hard for me to blog. I will just give a recap of last weekend's filmng on Tricks, which is directed by DeAara Lewis (I spelled it right).

Saturday, I Rod and I helped them film at the home of one of DeAara'a relatives. This guy named Keenon (not Nikita) filmed scenes oppostie DeAara. We also filmed in Crump Park. As usual, Rod made it look beautiful. It's good to have talented friends. Talented friends=leftover groupies, er, I mean, make you strive harder. Yeah, that's it! (I kid, I kid). We even used the dolly tracks and the dolly. I had to push Rod. That was nervewracking because I had to push at a nice speed, but not so fast that the shot wouldn't be steady. We pulled it off, though, and eventually we wrapped.

Sunday, I woke up at 4:30 AM. I set my clock for 5:30 AM. We shot at Precious Cargo all day. Shout out to DeAara's father, who plays the Mayor. He wrapped on Sunday. Also, shout out to Czharcus Jones, DeAara's sound man. The brother was on point! He is also a sound mixer, much better than I am. I assist Rod because I'm the only guy that seems to keep showing up. It was a relief to not deal with the infamous "boom pole". The lighting in Precious Cargo was another matter. Precious Cargo's a great location, but it's a little tricky in terms of lighting. Also, the big window at the top of the back room presented more problems. Rod and I pulled through. Shout out to LaDonna, DeAara's sisters, Raven and Deneka, Daphne, Keenon (from Saturday), and other cast and crew members. Special shout out to Jon "Sparky" Sparks. When you see him as Sebastian Crump, you will be floored. Sparky is rising to a new level of villainy. Shout out to his lovely wife as well. They are the most adorable couple. She also doubledas his makeup person and stylist. When she looked at him and said, "I'd marry you...again", I had to hold back an "AWWW!" Honestly, I want to be like Sparky when I grow up. We shot scenes in a limo that was parked outside the Cargo as well. It was a great day of filming.

Plug Time!!!!

"Dollars and Signs," a local film shot by MeDiA Co-op co-founder Brandon Hutchinson, will be shown at 8 p.m. Aug. 2 as part of the museum's "First Wednesday" program for the month. Hutchinson will introduce the film and answer questions afterward. Free with regular museum admission.


Come see another screening of Keenon Nikita's "Just the Two of Us" on Aug. 3 at 7 pm at Studio on the Square. Admission is $15 -- proceeds will be used to send the movie to various film festivals.

Days Until Markus Seaberry's next premiere: 6 Days and Counting!!!

Be Easy,Readers

Karaoke Fun With the Parliament

Once again, I went to Jordan's Karaoke Cafe. I ran into Forrest Pruett (Curbside Confessions, Behind the Eight) and the "Mayor of Frayser", Richie. We hung out with Benner, who is another member of their crew called "Parliament". No, not like George Clinton, but a legislative body. I sang "Come Together" by the Beatles, and it was cool. Later, Forrest sang "I Hate Everything About You" by Ugly Kid Joe. After that, The Mayor, myself, and Benner perfomed "Nuttin' But a G Thang". I did the Snoop Dogg part, which was different, because I normally sing Dr. Dre's part with Joe Smith (Delusions, Arrogant Dead People). We turned city of Compton into city of Frayser in the song, it was crazy. After that, Forrest and the Karaoke selector, or "KJ" perfomed Linkin Park's "In the End". Benner, Forrest and the Mayor performed the Soggy Bottom Boys "Man of Constant Sorrow". The Mayor also performed his version of "Folsom Prison Blues", "201 Poplar Blues". A good time was had by all. The Parliament (and me) rocked the house. Be easy, readers.

Where Does the Time Go:The Infamous Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

Went to Perkins, got some All-You-Can-Eat catfish, went to Jordan's Karaoke Cafe. I performed Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time". I did okay. My last number was much better. First, Forrest performed "If You Could Only See" by Tonic, and he was out in the crowd dancing with the females. Next up was me. Forrest gave me a little into, and I had the ladies screaming with my rendition of Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Wanna Be". It was great!!! Then I went home because I had to work on Saturday.

Saturday:
Worked in the morning, went to the barbershop, went over my friend Shomari's house and watched Saturday Night's Main Event (wrestling, baby!!!). Then, I went to Perkin's and went back home.

Sunday:
Went to Spin Street, bought the debut album from this rapper named Rhymefest, Blue Collar (www.myspace.com/rhymefest). Haven't listened to it yet, but I think I'll like it. Hung out with Bryan Newcomb (Divine Manipulation of the Threads, Just the Two of Us). We went to the mall, and Target, where we ran into Walker Morris III, who was in Just the Two of Us. He has Down's Syndrome and some would consider him mentally challenged, but he's a lot sharper than you think. After Target, I hooked up with Rod Pitts(www.myspace.com/pittstopproductions) and we assisted Arnita Williams (www.arnitawilliams.com) with her short, In an Instant. Rod, Richard(another cinematographer), and Arnita went off to do a scene with the lead actor (also named Marcus), and left me to hold down the fort. Janeen Farmer (Arthur Henry) showed up, and she played one of the groupie girls. Another "groupie" was Coco from 98.9 FM-Power 99, a local hip-hop/R&B station. I also talked to Arnita's mother. I hadn't seen her in a while. Always good to see the Mrs. Williams. It is always hectic shooting in places of business while other activity is going on. We made it happen and got the shots we needed, and that's what really mattered.

Monday:

My Blueberry Nights has postponed its Memphis shoot. Crap!!!!! I could've used the extra money...if I had been chosen. I hope something else comes to town. Be easy, readers.

Wrapping Up the Courthouse Shoot

Yesterday, Rod and I again joined the courthouseshoot for A Cop, A Snitch and a Stripper Named Shane. Cherina Black (Shan) was there, as was Erica Hines (Delusions, Divine Manipulations of the Threads), and this brilliant actor playing Councilor Rainwater. He has this great Southern accent...you gotta see it. Director/actor Vincent Moore (Poor and Hungry, Just the Two of Us), filmmaker Keenon Nikita (Poor and Hungry, Just the Two of Us), soundman Fred Mans, Kwame Cash(Officer Cash), and Cherina's boyfriend. We covered a lot of ground, and I belive that we are done with the courthouse.
I also got a call from the "full-time" hustler herself, Arnita Williams (www.arnitawilliams.com). She was enlisting my aid in her project, In an Instant. Since she is a PSP (www.pittstopproductions.com) All-Star, how could I say no? I will try to assist her this weekend.
I debated about posting this part, because it was pretty dumb on my part, but while I was chatting on the phone, everybody left the courthouse and the guy had locked up and sped off. Rod or someone,thank God, called him back, then called me and told me to come downstairs. Everybody was laughing and stuff, but I played it off by still talking on the phone. It was a little embarrasing, but hey, I got out. They say God looks out for cowards and fools, and in my short lifetime, I've been both. I guess I am human, after all.
Later, Rod, Keenon and I chilled over at Keenon's house and talked about various matters. It feels very familiar, this project. I know pretty much everyone on it. It was also the perfect remedy to the workday from hell that I had yesterday. Let' just say that everything that could go wrong, did. But today is a new day.

Maybe I'll get to help out Arnita today, we'll see. "Every day is a winding road", etc. Be easy, readers.

Filming at Adams Courthouse yet again.

Yesterday, Rod Pitts (www.pittstopproductions.com) and I assisted Vincent Moore (Just the Two of Us) in filming A Cop, A Snitch and a Stripper Named Shane. I helped out there and there. Erica Hines (Divine Manipulations, Delusions) was in the courtroom scene at Adams Courthouse, as was Cherina Black, who is the female lead, Shane. Keenon Nikita (Just the Two of Us, Poor and Hungry) was also assisting Vince. Madeleine Rogers, who is currently in Theatreworks' production of The Story, played the judge. Madeleine did a great job. As soon as Rod got on the camera, you could see his mind at work. The man loves filmmaking. I got a feelig of deja vu because last July (check the archives), Rod, Vince, Fred Mans (the soundman), Keenon and myself were filming in Adams Courthouse, albeit for Just the Two of Us. It was a very successful day of filming.
Afterwards, Rod and I went to Kroger, and I have to say this: Was yesterday National Take Yo' Bad-Ass Kid to the Kroger in Poplar Plaza Day or something? I did not enjoy the crumbsnatchers running all through Kroger. some of them were kicking balls. What happened to bedtimes on weekdays for our children, people?
After that, Rod, Keenon, Vince, and myself watched the dailies at Keenon's house. It looked good. So far, everybody's on the same page and we're making good progress. I pray that the positive spirit continues. Today, we're at it again. Be easy, readers.

Finally, I film: The Weekend Wrapup

Saturday:

I saw Pirates of the Carribean 2 with my people: Paul "P-Dub" West, Denna Greer (What Goes Around), "Angry" Nick Jones, Courtney, and Bryan Newcomb (Just the Two of Us, Mail Call). It was good, although it tended to drag in some spots. It had the biggest opening weekend ever. That's pretty awesome. Afterwards, we went to Huey's and ate and chilled.

Sunday:

I rehearsed my scene for DeaAra Lewis' movie Tricks. It is a short scene, but I think it will be humorous. I give them the funny. We ran through my scene first, then I left them to work on their scenes. I didn't want to run the risk of being disruptive.

Later, I met up with Rod Pitts and we shot a scene for Don't Vote for Arthur Henry. It's a short based on a character from Rod's upcoming feature, Spin Cycle. I reprised my Film Geek character from What Goes Around. It's a mockumentary (fake documentary). We shot in the Rose Theater. Janeen Farmer also came through and shot a very funny scene. I am not totally confident about my scene, but I'm glad it's in the can. Arnita Williams (Other Side of the Pillow, What Goes Around) also came through. We had attempted to shoot something for In an Instant, but there were scheduling conflicts. Also, shout out to the directors of Arthur Henry, Brian and Brian. They are two film majors at the U of M. They are young and hungry. So, of course, we had to get them under the PSP (Pittstop Productions) umbrella. That's all we ask at PSP. Be hungry, be focused, show up when you're supposed to (please!!!), and we can all benefit.

After that, I went to Jordan's Karaoke Bar and Grill. It wasn't a lot of people wanting to sing, so I had a field day: I performed John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane", Huey Lewis' "Heart of Rock and Roll", Young MC's "Bust a Move", Garth Brook's "Friends in Low Places", Hi-Five's "Never Should've Let You Go", Five for Fighting's "Superman", The Georgia Satellites' "Keep Your Hands to Yourself", Prince's "I Would Die For You", and finally, Rick Springfield's "Jesse's Girl". It was fun. I did my thing.

Hopefully, I will film on Curbside Confessions this week. The hustle continues. Be easy, readers.

More Karaoke, Still No Filming

The no filming drought continues. Shout out to Arnita Williams (What Goes Around, The Tank), who shot a scene for In an Instant yesterday. It was at 3 PM, and a brotha was still at work. Shout out to Learyn Wilde (Survivor, Across the River) and anybody else I knew at the shoot yesterday.
As for me, I went to Perkins last night for dinner. Shout out to the manager who gave me the coupon for 20% off my entire meal. You rock!!! She just gave them out to people. That was the business, for real!!!

After Perkins, I wandered to...you guessed it, Jordan's Karaoke Bar. Feeling a need to redeem myself after last night's Luther Vandross debacle (my apologies to his family, friends, and fans), I bonced back with a soulful rendition of Barry White's "Practice What You Preach". Ironically, a girl who billed herself as Miss Tina wanted me to accompany her in a Luther Vandross duet, like "If This World Were Mine". I declined, because I don't really know the words to his duets. I was able to squeeze in one more song before the night concluded. My last number was "When Doves Cry" by Prince. I did pretty good on that one. Shout out to the guy that did Clarence Carter's "Strokin". Now that was funny!

Maybe I'll go back tonight. Again, the schedule is very loose these days. Be easy, readers.

Theatre and Karaoke

I was invited to the Family and Friends performance of "The Story" at Theatreworks on Monroe. It is a great play. My fellow PSP (Pittstop Productions) All-Star Lavita Brooks (The Survivor, What Goes Around) is in the play, as is my good friend Madeleine Rogers (A Cop, a Snitch and a Stripper Named Shane) and Kimberley Moore, who I saw in a production of In the Blood at the University of Memphis last year. The basic plot centers around the murder of a white teacher by a black person. The white teacher's wife survives the attack, but she is a suspect, and the African-American reporters at this newspaper attempt to uncover the truth, or "The Story", if you will. LaVita played several characters and was very memorable. I was proud of all three ladies and the entire cast. I also got to meet LaVita's dad, which was cool. I strongly urget you to see "The Story", playing now at Theatreworks on Monroe. All of LaVita's fellow actors, please support this play. And to the cast of Shane, we have two castmates in this producton, Madeleine and LaVita. I think it's cool to support other actors. I have done this, and I have also greatly appreciated the support from people who have viewed my projects even when they were not acting in them.

My last stop was at Jordan's. Forrest Pruett (Delusions, Almost Made) was there, as was Lina Frtische (Curbside Confessions) and Joe Smith (Delusions, Arrogant Dead People). Joe was bartending. Forrest perfomed "If You Could Only See" and I struggled through Luther Vandross' "Superstar". I won't be performing that song again for awhile.

I don't know what the weekend holds. Maybe I'll film, maybe I won't. Who knows? Be easy, readers.

A Little Bit of Karaoke

After doing my voiceovers for Vineet Thapar, I stopped in at my friends at the Ned McWherter Library...shout out to Greg Woods, former coworker and logtime friend. After that, I made it back to my side of town and Jordan's Karaoke Bar. The owner, Nancy, was there. Forrest Pruett (Somerville, Behind the Eight) was there, as was my good friend Candace. I came kinda late, but I still managed to sneak in one song. I performed "Hey Ya" by Outkast, and the young, drunken people in the back were very receptive. Hey, drunken applause is still applause. I may be an attention whore, but I try to at least be entertaining. The guys yelled back on the guy parts, and the girls yelled back on the girl parts. Crowd participation at its finest. Forrest finished up strong with Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name". Again, drunken applause is still applause. Gotta stay performing, keep the skills sharp. Be easy, readers.

Barbecue and Independents...Films, that is: The Super-Patriotic Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I rehearsed my scene in Tricks, the next project for filmmaker DeaAra Lewis. I play Chester, a guy who is requesting a dance from a prostitute (Mom must be so proud). I chilled with DeaAra, her sister Deneka (also in the movie), the woman playing the "dancer" and the assistant director. We rehearsed, tripped out, and talked about Michael Jackson and the BET awards.

Saturday:

I went to a casting call for the major motion picture My Blueberry Nights. I ran into a cast member from Tricks. I also ran into a fellow Red West classmate named Brandon. He says I need to come back to class. I told him I plan to, I've just been busy with films.

Later, I went over the house of rapper/producer Kevin Yungblood aka Ptah Maximus (www.myspace.com/ptahmaximus) and I interviewed rapper Scott Lynn (www.myspace.com/brosoundzguudx) for his new album, Bro. Scott X Presents BroSoundzGuud: At it Again. It was informal, but it was good to see the brother. I also ran into Atiba and Derelick from MOS (www.myspace.com/mosmemphis), Jason "Da Hater" Harris (www.myspace.com/kontrastonline), and Cosmo (www.myspace.com/cosmomusic). It was good to see my people working on music. It's a blessing to be surrounded by talented people. It makes me work harder.

Later, "Angry" Nick Jones, Denna Greer (What Goes Around), Paul "P-Dub" West, Donovan, Bryan Newcomb (Just the Two of Us, Divine Manipulation of the Threads), and I saw Nacho Libre, Jack Black's new film. It was directed by Jared Hess, who directed Napoleon Dynamite. It was funny and touching. After that, we ate at Chili's and I called it a night.

Sunday:

I went to Baskin Robbin's, then to Jordan's on Stage Road (shameless plug) for karaoke. I performed "You Rock My World" by Michael Jackson, "Why Georgia" by John Mayer, "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5, and "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Afterwards, I saw Akeelah and the Bee. It was about a girl that made it to the National Spelling Bee. Lawrence Fishburne and Angela Bassett were in the movie, and Akeelah (Keke Plamer) is a promising young actress. She could go far in the acting game. I could relate to winning spelling bees and getting teased (See my last three years of elementary school).

Monday:

I stayed in the house until 6 PM. Then, I got some food and went to Jordan's. I performed Your Body is a Wonderland by John Mayer and Rock With You by Michael Jackson. I paid 5 and entered the karaoke contest. I performed Lynrd Skynrd's Sweet Home Alabama. It was okay. My rendition of Beautiful by James Blunt was better. I didn't win, though. Joe Smith (Delusions, Almost Made) was bartending and Lina Fritsche (Curbside Confessions) was also there. She sang Sarah Machlachlan's "Adia" and some Evanescence. I came back after the contest and wowed them with the Georgia Satellites' "Keep Your Hands to Yourself".

Tuesday:

I joined Paul Briggs' family in eating barbecue at Putt-Putt. I came, I ate, I left.

Wednesday:

Today, I redid my voiceovers for Vineet Thapar's film. Vineet is always good at coaching and getting a good vocal performance out of me. It was cool, it was fun.

I still don't know when I'm actually filming again, but sometimes you have to do the grunt work until you get to shine again. Be easy, readers.